O God of Our Salvation

65 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.
2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea: Psalm 65:1-5 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into His Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

God is able to heal by miracle or by pill. To expect a miracle when ordinary means of grace have already been given is to tempt God. When you have a headache, don’t pray for it to be miraculously relieved when God has already given you have a bottle of aspirin in your hand. Give thanks for the aspirin, bless it in the name of the Lord, and then take the proper dose knowing that it is just the means by which the Lord heals you. Blessed is the one who is able to see the invisible hand of God in all things. From everlasting to everlasting, God is good. Let this be the bedrock of your faith and trust in the Lord. Do what good you can with what you have right now, and every day you will be walking in your calling. It’s not fancy, but it works when you do believe.

Today’s Question to Consider

Do you believe God is able and willing to heal you?

Sing of the Steadfast Love of the Lord

89 I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.
3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
5 And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O Lord: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.
6 For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?
7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
8 O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Psalm 89:1-8 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into His Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

When light enters, darkness must go. It is impossible to be filled with both gratitude and pride at the same time; to be filled with both gratefulness and bitterness in the same inhale; or to be filled with both thankfulness and depression with the same exhale. Remembering who God is, remembering who you are in Christ, and counting your blessings always brings light. Who is like our God? He has declared the end from before the beginning. All things are in His hand from the smallest subatomic particles to the furthest unknown cosmic phenomena. From everlasting to everlasting, God is much bigger than the universe. He is God the Most High and we are His children. We are loved by God with the same love the Father has for the Son. Such knowledge by itself is incredible. Still, there is more. We have been given all spiritual blessings through the blood of Jesus Christ. Set your hope on God alone in both times of plenty and times of need. There is no enemy that can withstand Him, no storm that is able to continue raging when He commands it to be still. The mind of the child of God is thus weaned by remembering the goodness of God and His love for us. We may not be able to stop the birds from flying above us, but we certainly don’t have to let them build a nest on top of our head. Fully expect to chase away every ugly bird of fear, anxiety, and doubt by faith in God. And the peace of God that surpasses understand will rule in your heart. This is how our elders received a good report.

Today’s Question to Consider

What did 1^st century Christians have that our current generation needs to regain?

He Has Shown the Wonders of His Unfailing Love

19 Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
20 Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city. Psalm 31:19-21 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Fitness has two parts: things we need to do, and things we need to stop doing. Most everyone already knows which is which. The universal human condition is not so much a lack of the knowledge of what is right, as it is a lack of the ability to do what is known to be right. Now if we don’t do what we know to be right, that is sin. To be free from this invisible bondage of sin requires a power higher than self. Attempting to be free of sin by self-effort is like attempting to put out a fire with gasoline. This a tried to do for more than 20 years, but the natural outcome of self-help is the vanity of running around with clothes on fire. Surrendering all to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is the better way. Both the will and the wisdom that enables us to choose Jesus Christ are gifts from Almighty God. The will of our Father in heaven is to give us the kingdom wherein we are taken up into the divine love shared between the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This precious gift is ours if we only will to receive it. God is waiting to enable us to love Him with all our heart, all our mind, all our soul, and all our strength. This in turn produces the fruit of the Spirit causing us to love our neighbor as we love ourself. This divine love causes other fruits of the Spirit, joy, peace, gentleness, and patience are also seen and experienced in abundance. All that is in the world tends to be over-hyped, but there are no limits in God. It is impossible to even comprehend all the goodness that is God. Woe to the one who refuses the love of God, sad is the one who lingers, and tragic is the one who turns back. Ask the Lord to search your heart to make known to you any wrong in what you eat, what you do, or what you think. Then confess, repent, and believe for the sanctification by the Spirit promised before the foundation of the world to all who believe. Do not fear the consequences. That is only the last ditch effort of the enemy of our soul trying to turn us away from destruction. Trust in God. Come what may, hold firmly to the assurance of faith that His staff and His rod will take care of you. Be courageous and rest under the mighty hand of God. Walk in the newness of life provided by the grace of Jesus Christ to the glory of our Heavenly Father.

Today’s Question to Consider

Many saints throughout the ages have walked this path before us. Who encourages you the most by his or her example?

Every Day I Will Praise You

145 I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.
5 I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.
6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. Psalm 145:1-7 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

What we feed and do with the body will eventually be reflected in the mirror. The unseen always precedes what is seen. This is true for both our physical and spiritual natures. Desire comes from what could be called spiritual digestion, which stores in the heart what we choose from what the mind is feed. Desires are like strong winds that constantly blow to move the hands and feet towards its fulfilment. Like compound interest, good desires work for us and wrong desires work against us. Therefore, feed on the pure spiritual milk of the word and obey the command to store up the word of God in your heart. Be quick to turn the eyes, ears, head, hands, and feet from all that would feed evil desires. Be it as dear as an eye or hand, pluck it out or cut it off. Seek to walk with the living God and to do His will. Let this be your treasure. Know for certain that every command of God is also a promise. God is not like Pharoah who commanded the children of Israel to make bricks without straw. All that God commands, He has also promised to enable us to do it. Therefore, ask for what He has commanded, believe that He will give you the will and power to do it, and by faith receive it and obey. Great is the God we serve! He is perfect in love and infinite in power.

Today’s Question to Consider

Why is it easier to see the speck of dust in a brother’s eye and not see the log in our own?

The Kings of the Earth Belong to God

47 O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.
2 For the Lord most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
3 He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.
5 God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. Psalm 47 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Morning Inspiration

Training is everything and everything is training. Time makes it so. Sometimes big and sometimes small, but everything has immediate, delayed, and cumulative effects. Happiness is found on the path of accumulated actions that lead to what is good and right. Many small steps in the right direction accumulated over time will cover a great distance. Backsliding is any movement in the wrong direction. Be quick to repent of anything that moves you away from God. The higher life is reached by many small steps of faith, with occasional giant leaps, until at last we arrive at the tipping point where striving ceases. Where difficulties are handled with ease and childish things are put away forever. Ask for light concerning this and you shall receive it. Seek the kingdom of God and you will find it. Knock on the straight gate that leads to eternal life and it will be opened to you. With great patience God has been waiting for you to draw nearer.

Today’s Question to Consider

What is a small step you can take today to move closer to God?

Ascribe to the Lord Glory and Strength

29 Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.
2 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
3 The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.
5 The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn.
7 The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire.
8 The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
10 The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever.
11 The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace. Psalm 29 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

We will limit what is possible without adequate belief in the truth. There are two types of believers. There are those who believe the truth, and then there are those who sincerely think they believe the truth. The first can be known by the fruit of the Spirit manifested in their life. Blindness of the unbelief in their heart keeps the second type from seeking the very mercy they need from God. The righteous are called to live by faith. From faith to faith is a chain of belief that weakens with any link of unbelief allowed to remain in the heart. It is so easy to convince ourselves to spare the best of the sheep like king Saul. He turned back from following God with his whole heart. Saul’s example serves to warn us that we are often in danger of being led astray by unbelief to follow our own limited reasoning, our own feelings about what is true, and/or the worldly wisdom without God taught in our secular educational institutions. Believe God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength. Jesus has said that the one who obeys Him is the one who loves Him. To obey Him, we must believe Him. To believe Him, we must know Him. There is no substitute for knowing God. We come to know God just as we come to know anyone. We come to know any person we live with by watching what they do and listening to what they say. In time, learn what they like and dislike. We are able to recognize their voice by its tone and manners of speech. Intimate relationship allows us to understand how a person thinks and what they are likely to do and not do. We can have such an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. It starts with the plain matter of fact getting to know Him that comes from watching and listening to Him in the four gospel books of the Holy Bible. Dare to believe that Jesus is Christ, and you will come to know Him without doubt. Almighty God, infinite in wisdom and goodness, can certainly turn any weak link into strength. He will not break a bruised reed that calls upon Him with sincerity. Therefore, pray my brothers and sisters. Pray for His help to overcome all unbelief. All things are possible to the one who believes. Therefore, pray and believe.

Today’s Question to Consider

Can you share an example of a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) displayed in everyday life?

Tremble, O Earth, at the Presence of the Lord

114 When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;
2 Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.
3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.
5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;
8 Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. Psalm 114 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Working out seems to be a paradox at the first. We often exercise to the point of fatigue to build more energy and strength. In a similar way, we must be humble enough to acknowledge our own weakness before we will pray for the strengthening grace of God. Grace is offered to all, but only faith receives it. Daily we must feed on the Word. We spend years in schools that undermine faith. The mechanical worldview has come to dominate all aspects of daily life. We are constantly surrender by advertising and entertainment that draws us to the things of this world and openly mocks the gospel more and more every day. Such worldly ideas, void of the knowledge of God, have consequences. Perhaps all of these things are examples of the flood from the serpent’s mouth spoken of in Revelation 12:15. Who will save us from all that is set against us to cause us to be carried away by the ways of this world? Let us humbly turn to God with all our heart and receive the grace of Lord we so desperately need. We can do all things though Christ only because of the love God has for us. By faith, which is setting our will to refuse all that is contrary to faith in His name, are we saved to the uttermost. We believe the witness of men we deem trustworthy. How much more should we accept the witness of the living God who loves us. The only reason we can love Him is because He has first loved us. Remain in His love, set your mind right, fix your eyes on Jesus, and seek to know Him better. This is His will for us in Christ Jesus.

Today’s Question to Consider

What can we do to help us to remember our Lord Jesus throughout the day? 

Give Glory to His Name

105 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
3 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.
4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.
5 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;
8 He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.
9 Which covenant he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;
10 And confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: Psalm 105:1-5, 8-10 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. The Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

The brain is the sense making organ of the flesh and the heart is the meaning ascribing organ of the spirit. Some of the most intelligent of this world profess that only what is seen is real, therefore it is impossible for them to understand the evil desires of their own hearts. The believer on the other hand, has the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to enlighten his or her worldview. It’s choosing faith in God over what we see and feel which makes all the difference in how we make sense and ascribe meaning to our experience in this life. It is just not possible to determine how best to live using the scientific method alone. Truth had to be revealed to us by the written word of God. Faith without reason is incomplete, but reason without believing is worst as it leads only to death. Believe first, then let reasoning provide support. This will allow faith to grow strong like the Centurion who reasoned that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word because of His divine authority. 

Today’s Question to Consider

What happens when our reasoning conflicts with the word of God?

Sing to the Lord a New Song

98 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
4 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.
5 Sing unto the Lord with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.
6 With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King.
7 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
8 Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together
9 Before the Lord; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. Psalm 98 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Morning Inspiration

Calling yourself fat after having prayed for fat loss tempts God and negates your faith. The one who petitions God without trusting Him to grant the request, is like a feather blown about and tossed by the wind. Rather look at your present condition without discouragement and say, “by faith I am healthy, lean, and strong. My God has said first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear. I know my God will perfect all that concerns me.” Pray for the grace you need and consider it done before the mirror or scale reflects the change. Now go to work for it. Believe in the faithfulness of God, and be willing to consistently put in the work. It is wrong to ask God for a miracle to compensate for not following the natural and spiritual laws God has ordained. Turn from all foolishness and hold firmly to the simplicity that is in Christ. According to your faith, so will it be done unto you. Why should anyone think it strange that God Almighty heals with equal ease by miracle as He does by a pill? Believe the gospel. For the Lord has said nothing shall be impossible for us. Trust Him and He will make your Amen strong. Rejoice and let the redeemed of the Lord say, “Amen!” 

Today’s Question to Consider

What in your formal education has been the biggest hinderance to your faith?

Let All Creation Praise the Name of the Lord

148 Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord. Psalm 148 (KJV)

The Prayer Appointed for This Week

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and to be born of a pure virgin: Grant that I, who have been born again and made your child by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through my Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

The Morning Inspiration

Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, so says the holy Scriptures. Everyday life is full of choices. We can do this or that. We can go here or there. Remembering that all that we do is seen by God, our love for God compels us to want to do only what pleases Him. This is in contrast to the fear of bees in a person who is allergic to bee stings. Such fear in them is motivated by self-preservation, because if they are stung they could die. However, the fear of the Lord is different in that it is not so much for avoiding punishment as it is for being in love. The fear of the Lord functions like a guard rail on the narrow way to keep us in the love of God. This is wisdom indeed. To all those who are finding the way difficult, bear with it for as long as it takes for the switch to flip. When things get as hard as they can possibly get, realize from that point on they can only get easier. Be strong and courageous. Hold on, trusting in God Almighty. Put all your hope in God alone. Give thanks for His unchangeable goodness toward us. Rejoice and praise the Lord regardless of current circumstances, which are only temporary even though they sometimes linger with no end in sight. O Lord, let the words of our mouths and the mediation of our hearts be pleasing to You. And let our prayers always be in accordance with Thy will. Let the Fear of the Lord always be before our eyes so that we do Thy will and turn not to the left nor to the right. Let all that is within us praise Thy Holy Name!

Today’s Question to Consider

Last day of the year. Is there anything that remains you need to praise God for before we head into the new year?